The dimensionality of bipolar scales in self-description

Abstract

Sets of bipolar scales were constructed for self description for 13 different traits. Within each trait four scales, which differed in the relationship between the trait dimension and the desirability of the endpoints, were developed. Two scales had either both desirable or both undesirable endpoints. The other two scales had one desirable and one undesirable endpoint but differed from one another in the direction of the trait dimension. Self-descriptions were obtained from 606 students on the 13 sets of scales and bipolar marker scales to measure the dimensions of evaluation, potency, activity, and familiarity. In addition, each student answered a true-false social desirability scale. The data were factor analyzed and rotated to simple structure. The factors closely reflected the trait dimensions. There were no factors that could be interpreted as either a social desirability or evaluation factor. The correlations of the bipolar scales that had differences in desirability of the endpoints averaged .12 with the social desirability scale and .13 with the evaluation marker scale. The correlations between the scales within each trait set reflected primarily the trait relationships but seemed to be moderated by the effects of evaluation or desirability. Scores were obtained on the sum of the four scales within each trait dimension. These scores were reasonably internally consistent and uncorrelated with social desirability. The potential for this method of personality assessment is discussed.